Introduction
Green plants and certain algae survive by producing energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. In this process, light energy is transformed into chemical energy. In photosynthesis, water, and carbon dioxide, are converted into glucose, in the presence of sunlight; and oxygen is released into the environment. Besides playing a vital role in sustaining the life of plants and other organisms, photosynthesis supports the whole world by regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Photosynthesis sustains plant life, which in turn, is essential to maintain the food chains and food webs.
When you look into the process of photosynthesis, you will see that the primary pigment that facilitates the process is the green pigment called chlorophyll. This pigment is found in certain microorganisms like cyanobacteria and inside thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts of plant cells. These pigments absorb the red and blue wavelength light rays from the sunlight, which is necessary to initiate the process of photosynthesis.
The chloroplasts contain various types of chlorophyll that contribute differently to the process of photosynthesis. These types of chlorophyll are as follows.
Chlorophyll A- It is the most abundant type of chlorophyll, which absorbs light rays of wavelengths of 429 nm and 659 nm most effectively.
Chlorophyll B- It is a type of accessory pigment responsible for passing on light energy to chlorophyll a. It is found in plants and green algae. It absorbs the light rays of wavelengths 455 nm and 642 nm.
Chlorophyll C- This chlorophyll pigment is found predominantly in marine algae and absorbs light rays of wavelength 447-452 nm.
Chlorophyll D- This pigment is mainly found in cyanobacteria, and they absorb light rays of wavelengths outside the optical range such as 710 nm.
Both chlorophyll a and b play an imperative role in photosynthesis in plants. The primary pigment responsible for photosynthesis is chlorophyll a, and b absorbs sunlight to pass it on to chlorophyll a.
The difference between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b is tabulated below.
Difference Between Chlorophyll A and B
From the above table, Chlorophyll a vs. Chlorophyll b comparison must have become easier to understand.
The following diagram shows the structure of chlorophyll a and b and how both work within a photosystem.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
(Image will be uploaded soon)
Fun Facts About Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is Good for Your Health
Many people consume chlorophyll as a health supplement, and medical studies suggest it has several health benefits. It is said to be beneficial in slowing signs of aging, treatment of acne, and fighting anemia of hemoglobin deficiency.
Studies also suggest that it helps fight cancer, remove body odour, and speed up the healing of wounds. However, it is unsafe to consume supplements without asking your doctor first, and further studies are going on in this field.
Animals That Use Photosynthesis
Apart from plants and microorganisms like algae, some animals have also utilized photosynthesis for additional energy. For instance, the oriental hornet uses a pigment called xanthopterin for converting solar energy into electricity. The spotted salamander has a symbiotic relationship with algae and uses photosynthesis for additional oxygen supply. A species of sea slug also steals chloroplasts from marine algae to carry out photosynthesis with its own cells.
Difference Between Chlorophyll A and Chlorophyll B
The above text is flooded with information related to chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. It also stated the difference between them and some fun facts about it.
Biology is a branch of science that deals with the study of living organisms. It is an essential course to study at both school and college levels. Some students find biology tough but it doesn't have to be like that. Getting good results in biology means looking at some of the major issues a person will face and having tips to deal with them.
Below mentioned are a few tips and tricks which will provide you with all the understanding of the concepts and that too with not much effort.
Tips and strategies to improve your skill in biology are as follows:
Come to class with prior knowledge
Reading from the textbook or copying down someone else's notes is not enough to make up for missed classes. Biology is a demanding subject and it needs more attention, understanding, and effort. Students are required to thoroughly read the study material, focus more on understanding every bit of the syllabus and then, ensure that whatever they have learnt and understood helps them to fetch marks.
Hands-on experiments instead of catching up
Most of the knowledge in biology depends upon hands-on experimentation instead of catching up. The key to learning biology is to complete all the assignments and get well-versed in the subject matter on time. Hence, students are required to focus on experiments too. Completing the theory part would not give you the desired results and also, it would affect your subject knowledge. Therefore, make sure that you devote enough time to both the parts and focus on understanding the concepts better.
Proceed from general to specific
Another important point that students shall keep in mind before processing with revising or learning the subject is that Biology is a lot different than maths as it contains in-depth biological mechanisms and processes. Therefore, one must focus on all concepts before taking specific ones. Students shall also make sure to understand every bit of the concept with utmost sincerity because these concepts would later come up with specific details and if you don't make yourself clear with the basics, you would even struggle to grasp the new specific ones.
Giving priority to lab time
Practicality always gives us more experimental knowledge than theory subjects. One needs to practice biology in labs and it is one of the most effective ways to gather knowledge in biology. Students shall remember that as much as it is important to be thorough with the theory portion of the subject, it is also important that you focus on practical learning because that is where you get to apply your classroom learning and concepts.
Drawings and Diagrams
Using imagery such as drawings and labeled diagrams in biology helps to understand biology more readily. Since it is one of the most effective ways of learning, it helps you to understand better, memorize it and also, retain things for a longer period of time. Hence, students are advised to use as many drawings, flowcharts, diagrams, and all other forms of representations of concepts; as possible so as to learn and understand better.
FAQs on Difference Between Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b
1. What can I do with a Biology degree?
There are more than 50 options that you can choose from when it comes to advancing your career with a Biology degree. However, it entirely depends on you and your interests. If you think that a particular field is more interesting than others, you shall necessarily choose that one and if you feel that you would not be able to do too well in a particular field, do not go for it, no matter how many people around you tell you to do so.
Another important point that students shall keep in mind is that advancing your career in any of the fields entirely depends on how much you focus on brushing up your skills.
2. Can I get a list of some of the career options in Biology?
Certainly!
Let’s look into the names of some potential career options in Biology.
Microbiologist
Biological Technician
Genetic Counsellor
Research Scientist
Forensic Scientist
Health Communications Specialist
Environment Scientist
etc.
To get to know more information about these career options and explore more career options, you can check out the website of Vedantu.
3. How do I choose a good career field for myself?
The best way to choose a career option for yourself is by performing a self-assessment test. Based on the results, you shall make a list of available career options, this can be done by doing research about the jobs and employers. Later, you shall focus on improving your key skills. Make sure that you complete your training period if required. Lastly, focus on learning and continue to grow.
4. How do Non-Green Plants Perform Photosynthesis?
Most plants, irrespective of their appearance, perform photosynthesis and contain chlorophyll. Certain leaves and ornamental plants may not appear green because they contain other pigments like anthocyanin or carotenoid. These pigments make leaves appear orange, reddish, or even purple depending on the wavelengths of the light they absorb and reflect, similar to chlorophyll. These pigments mask the overall green colour of the chlorophyll present in the leaves. Therefore, the process of photosynthesis takes place just the same in these plants as well. Even in plants with white leaves, there is hidden chlorophyll, and it is only masked by light reflection. The only exceptions to these are plants that are parasitic and do not contain chlorophyll. They depend on other plants that perform photosynthesis to obtain energy.
5. Do all Plants Photosynthesize Light the Same Way?
No, there are different types of photosynthetic processes. The most commonly used and studied process of photosynthesis is C3 photosynthesis. This is the most efficient method suitable for normal temperature, light, and moisture conditions. It uses an enzyme called RUBISCO that collects CO2 during the day and converts 75% of it into a 3-carbon compound.
Similarly, in the C4 photosynthetic process, the carbon is converted into a 4-carbon compound. This process occurs in extremely hot conditions like in deserts, where the sunlight is also in excess. The C4 photosynthesis process is naturally designed to use water more efficiently and reduce transpiration. This is achieved by an enzyme called PEP Carboxylase in addition to RUBISCO.
CAM or the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism is the third type of photosynthesis wherein the CO2 is stored in the acid form before conversion to energy. This process produces glucose from the stored carbon dioxide. Therefore these plants grow very slowly compared to other plants. Nevertheless, this process enables them to survive in extreme conditions like deserts.
